The Star Wars alumni take their places alongside a cast of younger actors, including Attack the Block's John Boyega, About Time's Domhnall Gleeson and Daisy Ridley. The plot also finds room for the veteran Swedish actor Max von Sydow and both Oscar Isaac and Adam Driver, who previously worked together on the Coen brothers' 60s-set folk drama Inside Llewyn Davis.

The announcement brings an end to months of fevered speculation over the casting of Star Wars: Episode VII, with the likes of Zac Efron and Oscar-winning Lupita Nyong'o variously tipped to have roles in the production.

Both actors, however, are conspicuously absent from the official cast photograph, which nonetheless appears to be overseen by a familiar droid. Fans will doubtless be reassured by the news that Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Anthony Daniels (C3PO) and Kenny Baker (R2D2) will also be returning for action.

Adam Driver, who has been confirmed as starring in the new Star Wars film. Photograph: Larry Busacca/Getty Images

"We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII," Abrams said in a statement.

"It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."

Star Wars: Episode VII is set for worldwide release on December 18 2015.